Academic Research & Age

[T&R]

Hi All

I'm a newbie so apologises if I mess this up.

My partner and I are looking to migrate to Oz next year (I am from the UK). I have just passed 45 - yep stupid I know (he is just under 40).

To increase our chances I was wondering if I might still apply for some type of Visa given that I could do so as an academic researcher (PhD and research experience) - if I was to get a research grants with a University in Australia - or whether my age completely cuts me off and my only option is as a partner?

Thanks - any advice would be welcomed.

T

[Gollywobbler]

Hello T

Welcome to Poms in Oz.

There is no upper age limit on the temporary, employer-sponsored subclass 457 visa.

The ENS and RSMS visas both confer Permanent Residence in Australia from Day One and although the starting point is that the applicant should be under 45, age-exemptions are potentially available with both visas depending on your occupation. Please see the following links:

Employer Sponsored Workers - Workers - Visas & Immigration

Information Booklets - Applications & Forms - Visas & Immigration

Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 121/856)

Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 119/857)

What is your occupation, please?

Also, if you and your Partner are in a long term relationship only one of you needs the skilled visa. The other can be included as his/her Partner and the Partner can do whatever job s/he wishes after arrival in Oz.

Your own idea seems to be verging on thinking about a possible student visa. I suspect that that may not be necessary.

What does your Partner do, please?

Best wishes

Gill

[T&R]

Hi Gill

Thanks so much for this - I have taken a look at the links you gave me - they really helped.

I don't think I'd try for the student visa - but as you say would rather opt for the partnership visa. I am on a partnership visa in SA currently and we can show 5 years living together.
I am a researcher and the level I am at would require I get a salary and therefore work visa.

My partner is a senior lecturer, and potentially could switch to industry, can make it on the age side but needs a job to get sufficient points. On the skills side of things we both have 50 points, although we are not in the occupations in demand list.

So on the age side of things he fits the requirements better than myself. My main reasoning was that if I was also eligible to look then I might increase our options and more importantly chances.

I had a look at the ESM & RSMS details
I certainly do have a research skill that an employer could state that was unusual and that they might not find someone younger or in Oz - and is a subject of increasing interest at the moment. Although am not sure if they could show it was essential to the operation of the business (but possibly?).
I think that this would be a possibility

My worry with the temporary, employer-sponsored subclass 457 visa would be how easy it is to convert this to permanent residence later down the line? I would want to settle and would not really like the stress of not knowing whether we need to sell up and seek another country if we cannot extend..?
But again it is good to see that option there and I should be grateful there is an alternative!

I visited Oz last year and travelled around for a month visiting several Universities and got a very positive response from potential employers.

So maybe this is the route I should start looking at - and try to push for the ESM / RSMS and try for the temp 457 if necessary.

Does anyone know the time line for these visas. We are hoping to make the switch in the second half of next year if possible.

Thanks again Gill that was really useful

T